Dune
(from the back cover) DUNE: The epic story of the planet Arrakis, its Atredies rulers and their
mortal enemies the Harkonnens is the finest, most widely acclaimed and enduring science fiction novel of
this century.
- Author: Frank Herbert
- First Published: 1966
Rating (out of 5):
It doesn't happen very often, but sometimes one can be pleasantly surprised. I bought Dune on the premise that it would probably be longwinded and boring - thus I would have a book to read that would last longer than one week. Well, one week later and I'm ready for the next book in this Arrakis saga.
I guess the most striking feature that I loved about Dune was the Great Houses. These bodies, only survived through political intrigue, treachery, and espionage. In some ways, it actually is a nice exaggerated example of "information rich" and "information poor". The house that knew the most about another had the greater advantage. The characters in Dune however, took this to a completely new level - some examples including framing Lady Jessica as the Traitor and Feyd-Rutha's "Treachery within treachery within treachery" in the fight with Paul-Muad'Dib.
In some ways, this is also quite amusing when you think about the treacheries and intrigues of the Great Houses, which can basically be summed up as: "He knows I know he knows. But he doesn't know I know he knows I know he knows..." - Confusing? I love it! The "wheels within wheels" aspect of the story really drew me in, also the fact that unlike a thriller or suspense where the twists are suddenly thrust upon you - Herbert shows you what is going on, peeling back each layer exposing more of the story. I loved being the silent observer to the various thoughts of each of the characters as they measured up their opponents.
My only complaint about the book is in a single chapter - the one where Feyd-Rutha is fighting against the slave (another intrigue goes on here too). I could not stand all the "Hmmmm-mmm-ing" by the Count Fenring, but nothing is perfect.
Please, whatever you do: DO NOT think this book is anything like the movie Dune. The movie I now see, does not even rate along side this masterpiece. Quite frankly, the movie and the book are very very different beasts, and really should not be compared at all.
Do yourself a favour and check Dune out - it's something you will not regret.
